In what is its sternest-ever warning to motorists, the Traffic Department has said that no violation of road safety rules will be tolerated on the National Day and culprits, whether they are Qataris, visitors from the neighbouring GCC states or expatriates, will be taken to task.
“We wouldn’t tolerate chaos on the roads (on the National Day),” said Brigadier Mohamed Saad Al Kharji, Director of the Traffic Department. Motorists must follow seat-belt rules and no one will be allowed to stand up in roofless cars, he added.
Speaking on Qatar Radio’s popular programme, ‘Good Morning, My Beloved Country’, he said last Thursday: “Shops that are found decking up a car with flags, posters and pamphlets in a way that the entire vehicle is wrapped up, will be closed for a month as punishment”.
He said motorists with such vehicles will be questioned about the shop that had decked up the car in violation of rules, and that shop will have to face the music. “And if it is found that the motorist has done this himself, he will be accountable.”
“We are not going to differentiate among fellow citizens, nationals from other GCC countries or expatriates. Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.”
Flags and posters will be allowed to be put up only on the exterior of the front doors of a vehicle from today until December 20, the Director said. No one is permitted to put stickers either on the rear glass or the windshield of a car.
Some people spray paint their cars. No spray painting will be allowed this time because it poses a severe safety hazard. “We must be happy and must celebrate our National Day with pride and fervour, but we must do it in a civilized and socially responsible way. We don’t have the right to disturb others.”
Reckless driving, daredevilry and overtaking from the right side will be punished as will be other violations of the traffic and road safety law.
According to Al Kharji, a car parade will be allowed from 5pm onwards on the National Day, and it will start from near the Ras Abu Aboud flyover. The maximum speed allowed will be between 10 and 11 km per hour and the parade will culminate at the Sheraton roundabout on the Corniche.
Those keen to get an insight into Qatari culture and traditions must visit Al Refa Road that connects the North to Al Shahaniya and Dukhan, where areas have been earmarked for different tribes to showcase their traditions.
The organizing committee has a website (www.qatar.qa) and has been regularly updating information with photographs on the events that are being held and also those that are lined up.
Meanwhile, according to lawyer Mohsin Thiyab Al Suwaidi, the government wants to ensure a trouble-free National Day. There are some who even use guns to celebrate. “Such things wouldn’t be tolerated and the traffic flow on the roads is expected to be smooth unlike in the recent past,” he told this newspaper.
Taking undue advantage of the crowds, some youngsters use their mobile phones to click pictures of women. There are others who might snatch gold chains or indulge in picking pockets. “The police are going to keep an eye on these crimes,” he said.
THE PENINSULA
